Kurt Angle discusses WWE’s success without Vince McMahon, reveals why company keeps growing

WWE continues its upward trajectory despite Vince McMahon’s departure, with Q3 2024 profits reaching $57.7 million, showing significant growth from Q3 2023’s $22 million. Kurt Angle recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s current direction.

During a recent interview, Angle expressed confidence in WWE’s leadership structure. He emphasized that while McMahon’s influence remains significant, others within the company possess deep industry knowledge.

“Nobody will ever be Vince McMahon,” Angle said. “Triple H knows the business pretty good. Paul Heyman knows the business pretty damn good. We have a lot of good guys that we can turn to and depend on for the business to continue to grow.”

Angle acknowledged McMahon’s role in transforming WWE from a regional operation into a global powerhouse. However, he noted his reluctance to discuss McMahon due to recent allegations.

“What he was able to do, to take this family owned company that was in the northeast region and make it a world phenomenon is something short of incredible,” Angle stated. “If it wasn’t for Vince, there probably wouldn’t be WWE today.”

In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis, alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking. McMahon resigned from TKO/WWE following these allegations. Grant agreed to pause the lawsuit for six months in May while federal investigations continued.

Kurt Angle Reveals Vince McMahon’s Strategy Behind His WWE Character Change

Speaking about his early WWE career, Kurt Angle recently shared insights about McMahon’s pivotal role in shaping his on-screen persona. During an appearance on WFAN Sports Radio, Angle discussed McMahon’s plan to transform him into an antagonist.

“He said, ‘Listen, I’m going to turn you into the anti-hero. You’re going to be the biggest heel in the business,'” Angle recalled McMahon saying. The Olympic gold medalist initially doubted this direction would succeed.

McMahon’s strategy involved Angle promoting the three I’s – intensity, integrity, and intelligence – while acting contrary to these principles. This approach proved successful, as Angle captured the Intercontinental, European, and WWE World Championship within his first year.

The character development began at Survivor Series 1999, where Angle confronted the audience during his bout with Shawn Stasiak, demanding respect for his Olympic achievements. This moment set the foundation for his future success in WWE.